Open Road Adventures
You love your RV trips with the family. You go camping, enjoy hiking adventures, and some of the best National Parks across the US. You’ve driven through 20 of the 50 states, and plan on making it to the next 30. Why not bring Brownie (or whatever your Chocolate Lab’s name is) along for the next few adventures?
RVing Is Exciting With Pets
It’s even greater with your furry pets along for the ride. Traveling with cats, dogs, or even your big-mouthed parrot can make the open road all the more enjoyable.
Whether you’re planning your first RVing excursion with your pets, or are just starting to think about the possibility. We’ll highlight some of the things you should expect and plan for, how it’s different than traveling without pets, and how much more fun your family’s adventure will be with your four-legged child.
Things to Consider when RVing with Pets
First thing’s first, when RVing with dogs, cats, or other pets, you need to make sure you have the right accommodations in place. So, what’s this mean? For starters, you’ll have to consider RV campsites. Make sure they allow pets on site, and find out what restrictions are in place before traveling.
The last thing you want is to be kicked out of your favorite RV park and banned because you didn’t obey the rules. There are numerous pet-friendly RV camps, so make a list of those in the remaining 30 states you’re going to visit.
Apart from this, these are a few additional variables you’ll need to account for when traveling with your furry companions.
Plan Ahead – Plan Early
The earlier you plan your trip the better. You’ll want to account for
Travel time in the RV before taking rest stops.
Where to stop for:
- restroom breaks
- water breaks
- dining and or snacks
- How you’ll dine? dine out or cook in the RV
- What must-see attractions should you stop at and take photos
- What are the pet-friendly and fun destinations you need to visit
Planning out your trip in advance of your travels will make things far easier. It also avoids forgetting something important or missing out on a must see stop. Furthermore, you can plan fun activities for your pets along the trip, and adventures you’re going to love engaging in with them. Map out your itinerary, make backup plans, and have everything laid out before you travel.
Your Pets Safety While RVing
Your pet’s safety is another concern. Seatbelts and harnesses, dog blankets for the cold, raincoats for the inclement weather, glow collars for the RV camp sites, and more.
You need to consider their safety. If you make an unexpected stop, is the RV cool enough when it’s 100 degrees outside to leave them in? Do you have a pet cage/crate to house them in if there are other vicious animals on an RV site?
How about first aid kits and vaccination records? Make sure you have everything you need, including medications, to avoid putting Brownie in peril. You love your pets, make sure they’re safe on your RVing adventures.
Pet Camera & Other Accessories
Having certain accessories will also make the trip easier, safer, and more fun for everyone, since you’re not worrying about your dogs or cat’s safety. Some great accessories for your adventure include:
- A pet cam so you can see what they’re doing
- A glow collar for them to play at the campsite when it gets dark
- GPS or other tracking device if they get lost
- A dog pen so they can sit outside while you’re grilling
- A temperature monitor to keep the RV warm/cool enough
- Refillable water bottles & food receptacles for hikes/bike rides
There are several dog and cat accessories you can buy for travel, so make sure you consider these based upon the locations you’re visiting, and the time of year (sweaters, boots, etc.)
Stopping For Restroom Breaks
Remember, your dog or cat can’t tell you when they have to use the bathroom. Sure, your one-year old can go in their diaper and you can change them. And, with cats, it’s a bit easier to keep their liter box in a location in the RV that they can access anywhere and any time.
However, when traveling with dogs, you need to plan restroom breaks to avoid accidents. Make sure you choose highways and roadways while driving that allow you to easily pull over so they can handle their business.
Also, planning for walk stops and breaks is important. Especially for older or larger dogs, they need their room to roam. So, cramming them in an RV for 15 hours straight without stopping, isn’t smart. Pay attention to times, roadways, highways, and include restroom and walk breaks in the itinerary.
The Challenges of RVing with Pets
Now that we’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to go, right? Yes and no. RVing with pets is a bit more challenging than just heading out with the family for a week.
So, you also have to prepare yourself for the challenges. What are those challenges? These are a few you might encounter.
Temperature/weather
Your dogs and cats have different weather/temperature needs than you do. Therefore, you’ll have to make sure the RV is warm or cold enough based on their comfort levels. Also, if it’s raining, snowing, or extremely hot in a certain location, you’ll have to account for your pet’s safety.
Make sure you have clothing, paw protectors, leashes, sweaters or raincoats. And, you never know when some unexpected extreme weather might hit.
It’s tough to plan for this, but a good rule of thumb is to keep all the accessories you’ll need for your pets in the RV. It’s the best way to ensure you have what they need, when they need it, regardless of what weather phenom pops up.
Medications for Illnesses
If your pet needs medication, you have to account for this. You’ll have to stop the RV to give it to them. If they run out of it, you’ll have to call your vet to order it at a local pharmacy wherever you’re traveling. If your pet becomes ill, you might have to stop by a local vet wherever you’re traveling, to attend to their health needs.
Think of them like your kids. You never know what might happen, but you always need to prepare for the worst. So, make sure you have their supplies, medication, and any special care accessories in the RV. And, make sure you mark off local vets wherever you’re visiting, in the event an unexpected emergency occurs.
National Parks & No Pet Destinations
Some locations don’t allow dogs or cats, even if they’re on leashes. So, if there’s a site you really want to see, make sure you know the rules beforehand. In some cases, you can still travel to the site, but you’ll have to find a pet sitter for a few hours.
Otherwise, you’re going to limit some of the travel destinations you’re going to visit, because pets aren’t allowed. It’s something you’ll have to weigh as a pet owner, so make sure you’re ready to be thrown out of or restricted from visiting certain sites.
Dining Out & Unplanned Stops
If you want to have a family dinner one night that you didn’t plan for at a local restaurant, what do you do with Brownie? If you’re staying at a local RV campsite, you can ask friendly neighbors to take care of him.
But, do you really trust the neighbors? Impromptu and unplanned stops or attractions are greatly limited when you’re traveling with pets. Remember the kids make great pet sitters also.
Pets Needs Come First
Your pets come first. You need to take them out on walks, feed them, care for them, make sure they’re comfortable, plan for the unexpected, and more.
Their safety comes first, and they’re going to take up far more room than you initially thought in your RV. So, get ready to give up the passenger seat to Brownie and sit in the back with the kids if you’re not driving. They’re going to take over the RV. LOL
RVing with Pets is more Fun
Why RVing with Pets is More Fun than without Them.
So, now that you have an idea of what to expect, as well as the pros and cons of traveling with pets, do you still want to? Without at doubt!
If you love your pets, you want to share your life with them. RVing is something you do as a family, and Brownie’s a member of the family. RVing with your dogs and cats is far more fun than without them. Why?
They’re loyal and they’re your favorite companion when the kids are tired of hiking and want to play games in the RV. They don’t ask you for things on the trip or ask you to spend money on souvenirs.
You’ll share memories and have great photos for a lifetime. They’re down for any adventure, even if everyone else in the family wants to sit at the campsite. Most of all… you absolutely love them and they love you unconditionally and will remember those 30 states forever!
Pack the camper, gather the leashes and harnesses, medication, flea and tick spray, and head off on the open road. No matter where you’ve gone RVing or which destinations are next to cross off the list, make sure you plan accordingly so Brownie can be a part of the adventures that lie ahead.
They’re memories they’ll remember and cherish, and memories you and your family will remember for the rest of your life as well!